Peterborough Bikers Tackle the Army’s Snow‑Covered Assault Course

Peterborough Bikers Tackle the Army’s Snow‑Covered Assault Course

We all carry memories from our younger years, moments that shaped us, stayed with us, and still make us smile. For me, growing up in the era of the Mods and Rockers, scooters and motorbikes were part of the soundtrack of teenage life. Many of us have grown older since then, and sadly, many are no longer with us; but the stories remain as vivid as ever.

Recently, I received a wonderful message from a biker I met at Paston Farm Community Centre. His memory takes us back to the days of the Soke Motor Cycling Club, when a group of Peterborough riders headed north from their clubhouse which was behind the old bus park, on the site of the new courthouse in Bridge Street  to Catterick in Yorkshire to meet the Royal Signals Motorcycle Team.

Readers’ Mail –
From Nobby Etherington

Hi Chris,

I finally got around to sending you this small donation I promised weeks ago. I’ll try to send more when I can, but with kids, grandkids, and biking, of course, spare time is in short supply.

Most of the lads are named in the story, apart from a couple whose names escape me now. It’s an age thing, I suppose. I also can’t remember the exact date but it was around November 1963, but the Evening Telegraph covered the trip, so they might still have it on record.

It was a great ride up to Catterick, even though I was soaked from head to foot by the time we arrived. In the photo, you’ll see me wearing an army jacket, they loaned it to me while my leather gear dried out in the Mess Hall. I never bothered with proper waterproofs back then, like the others. Thought I was too tough, maybe!

Peterborough Bikers Tackle the Army’s Snow‑Covered Assault Course

The assault course was brilliant fun. We rode their old BSA M20 500cc singles, and naturally, I ignored the sergeant’s advice. He told me to slow right down at the bottom of a long hill. But with about a foot of snow on the ground after a blizzard, you couldn’t see the ditch buried at the bottom. I hit it at speed, went straight over the handlebars, and the sergeant was highly amused, as were all my mates.

Despite the weather, it was a fantastic weekend. I don’t think I’d attempt that ride again now, even on the old 1957 BSA 500cc Shooting Star I had back then.

Mind you, a year earlier I’d ridden down to Hampton Court, where I grew up, on a 1951 BSA C11 250cc to visit old school friends, and thought nothing of it.

I still see Eric Parker regularly, and like me, he’s still riding at 81.

See you Saturday,

Nobby

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